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Thursday, August 04, 2011

It was Mark Belling who first reported this at the very end of his show today, and we’ve been able to confirm some (but not all) of the details.

Apparently, an officer of the Marquette Intervarsity Christian Fellowship came “out of the closet” as gay. He made it quite clear that he disagreed with the organization’s interpretation of Christian teaching about homosexuality (which happens to be essentially identical to Catholic teaching about homosexuality).

He admitted to having a homosexual affair with another male, and made it clear that he did not intend to break it off. He was dismissed as an officer.

He complained to Student Affairs at Marquette, apparently claiming he was discriminated against because of his sexual orientation.

Belling reported that the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship has been suspended at Marquette on the basis of this complaint. According to Vice President for Student Affairs Chris Miller, this isn’t quite accurate. In fact, there was (within the past week) an adjudication of the issue, which upheld the complain of discrimination.

But the organization has not been suspended yet, since they have a right to appeal. The next step in the appeal process will be the Dean of Students, Stephanie Quade, who could, in theory at least, overturn the result of the adjudication.

Miller insisted on going on the record with some comments highly favorable to the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, calling them a “stellar student organization,” and a “great aspect” of student life at Marquette. He commended the interest that the organization’s alumni continue to take in the university.

Miller’s comments may signal that the Office of Student Affairs is willing to back down on this, but given Marquette’s recent record of caving in to each and every demand made by the campus gay lobby, one can’t be sure of that.

It’s clear that Marquette is not willing to stand up for Catholic teaching about homosexuality. The issue here is: are they even willing to tolerate it?

[Update 5:43 p.m. Thursday]

We just got this via e-mail from Stephanie Quade:

There was a student conduct hearing involving IVCF last week, the group appealed the outcome.

As I am the appellate officer in this matter, I cannot really comment on any of the specifics of the case while it is still pending, as I am sure you understand.

Hoping to have the appeal done by the end of the week.

We assume “end of the week” means tomorrow.

The original hearing was held by Student Affairs bureaucrats -- this being the summer, no students or faculty were involved.

Quade insists that her decision will be “final.”

It will be interesting to see how this turns out. We assume that the organization was charged with discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation. But as we understand it, the problem wasn’t “orientation” but an actual homosexual affair, and the student’s outspoken rejection of Christian teaching about homosexuality.

Whenever an MU employee responds, they should be made to affirm the Catechism in this matter.Also, I would lkike them to answer "Is it un-Christian to hold Catholic doctrine?"

"2357 Homosexuality refers to relations between men or between women who experience an exclusive or predominant sexual attraction toward persons of the same sex. It has taken a great variety of forms through the centuries and in different cultures. Its psychological genesis remains largely unexplained. Basing itself on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity,141 tradition has always declared that "homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered."142 They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved"

This is absurd. MU has announced that it is open season on Catholic thought. Steve 1990 Alum.

Extremely ashamed of the university's decision. This is a disgrace and embarrassment for the university. I will not be donating to Marquette and will donate to intervarsity instead! They seem to be on the right track!

Still no "yes" or "no." Though there was a bit of a hint at a "perhaps." Well, do you think they "perhaps" should be expelled from this Christian nation of ours as well?

And no. I do "tolerate" people like you. Just as I "tolerate" mosquitoes. I wish would stop bothering me, but they won't, so I put up with them. People who happen to be gay I "accept" or "welcome" or "celebrate." That's what nice people do.

Also, I am not a Christian, so why would I have any compunction to accept Christian teaching or be obligated to respect any such thing.

In answer to "Why?": because the student is paying for his or her education. The student's enrollment status could be called into question were MU waving or paying tuition.

With regard to "Christian teaching" and "robust debate": not all Christian denominations embrace the RCC doctrine, nor do these denominations necessarily believe that same-sex relationships are sinful. One mustn't speak for all of Christianity simply because one holds onto a specific set of doctrines that are reflective of one's own bias (opinion/belief/ideal).

I'll add a caveat to this thread, as well: Catholic (and a few other Christian) universities offer an excellent education but the applicant/student needs to be mindful of the environment. Do not attend a college if you can not agree with the concepts, bylaws, teachings or doctrines fostered by the university. Do not allow yourself to be employed if you feel that you will be judged unfairly based upon religious doctrines.

No one has the right to restrict a person's religious views (pro or con), nor does that person have the right to force their views upon others.

Tolerance is simply recognizing and respecting the rights, beliefs or practices of others. I am not tolerant; I do not respect certain (Christian) practices and beliefs. I am, however, objective. I can agree that we disagree with each other, and I can respect your right to hold onto your own beliefs and practice as you are wont.

The Bible and the Magisterium have made clear the commandments of God, The Creator. Marquette U. calls itself Catholic and to be Catholic means to uphold these commandments and teach them with clarity. Non-marital sex for recreation and pleasure is wrong all the time. I would love my Alma Mater to show some backbone but they lost it years ago with the Dan McQuire retention.

I think the statement that it would be hard for Marquette to institute across the board automatic expulsion for extra marital sex is well taken. However ICF only expelled the guy because he refused to change. Marquette would be helped a lot by single sex dorms.